This trek travels up a badlands canyon to an overlook with massive views over the Great Plains. The hike is 1.33 miles round trip with 125 feet of elevation gain. This hike does not have a boardwalk to follow, just a dirt trail and a steep wooden ladder. Notch Trail also traces a cliff’s edge so it is not a good option for hikers with a fear of heights. For those interested in a little adventure, this hike has a lot to offer.

Begin at the south end of the shared trailhead for Door Trail, Window Trail, and Notch Trail. The dirt path heads southward into a canyon of eroded sediment spotted by juniper and brush. A third of a mile from the start, the canyon walls narrow, heading toward a dry falls. Luckily, no scaling is required. A wooden ladder presents itself, bolted to the right side of the canyon.

The ladder along Notch Trail

Take it up a notch! Climb over 50 rungs to the top of a ledge that lines the canyon. When your feet are back on solid ground, turn left and skirt a cliff to return to the canyon floor above the dry falls.

Looking up the canyon

The trail, which had been faint through this area, is now easy to follow with posts with reflective markers to keep your on course. Come to a split in the ravine and stay to the right, observing the trail markers. The hike comes to a sudden end at a cliff dropping steeply into the badlands to the south. The overlook has sweeping views of this unique landscape as well as miles and miles of prairie grasses. Cliff Shelf Nature Trail is visible below. Take in the view before returning the way you came. The ladder is a little trickier going down, so exercising caution on the descent. No permit is required to hike Notch Trail, but Badlands National Park has an entrance fee.

Looking east from the notch

To get to the trailhead: Take Badlands Loop Road (Route 240) two miles east of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to a large turnout on the east side of the road for Door, Window, and Notch Trails. Notch Trail begins from the south end of the lot.

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